This Is The Perfect Healthy Getaway for Anyone Who Finds Organised Retreats Too Much

Relaxation and body-loving wellness, guaranteed.

By
Emma Pritchard

29/06/2018

Stocksy

If you’re six months into 2018 and already wondering how on Earth you’re going to make it, still standing, through the other half of the year, or your consistent workout regime has slipped in favour of Pimms pitchers and BBQs, it could be a sign that you need to book yourself a holiday.

You could sign up for a couple of nights at a wellness spa or om it out on a yoga retreat holiday. But what if you’re after something more active and more varied than that? Somewhere that is a total change of pace and scene. And where, ultimately, you can work out (and relax) with warm white sand beneath your feet.

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If so, the Coral Reef Club in Barbados could be just the answer.

Isn’t the Caribbean a little far?

@engineered.well

Not one little bit. And I should know – because I was the lucky WH contributor who tried it. Whether you’ve got two weeks, seven days or less (I had around four), trust me, Barbados is set to become your new wellness retreat BFF.

All those pictures you’ve seen of white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and bluer-than-blue skies? They’re on the money. Juicy mangoes, massive coconuts and fish so fresh you’ll likely have seen them swimming in the crystal-clear waters earlier on that morning. They really do exist. When it comes to Insta-worthy holiday destinations, this island, located due east from St Vincent and the Grenadines, ticks all the boxes.

And it’s only around an eight-hour flight – the equivalent of watching the entire first season of Broadchurch back-to-back, and plenty of time to catch up on the best health books.

What makes the Coral Reef Club so special?

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Okay, so chances are you’re thinking this must be a review of yet another Caribbean resort – after all, isn’t that what Barbados is kind of known for? Beaches lined with resort after villa after resort after villa?

But the Coral Reef Club really is in a league of its own. Set within 12 acres of lush, landscaped grounds, with beds and bathrooms so big you could almost get lost in them and an everything-you-could-possible-dream-of breakfast buffet – think the luxury of an award-winning five-star boutique hotel (which it is) combined with the friendliness of somewhere obviously family-run. It’s like a home from home – only 100 times better (and warmer, obvs; it was pretty much mid-30s the whole time I was there).

The Coral Reef Club has been in the O’Hara family for around 50 years so plenty long enough for them to nail what they’re doing and to generate a loyal following. Expect lots of personal touches – complimentary homemade sorbet on your sun lounger when the sun gets that little bit hot; first-name greetings; and a weekly sundowner (read cocktail) party for all guests, hosted by the family themselves. It’s no surprise that most of their business is repeat trade.

What is a Coral Reef Club wellness retreat?

@engineered.well

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But you’re there to work out – and this is where the Coral Reef Club gets even more exciting because it doesn’t just run any old fitness holiday, it’s launched bespoke wellness retreats.In a nutshell: you can pick and mix your own tailored workout programme, led by a team of international instructors.

Choose from classes such as yoga, Pilates, HIIT circuits, aqua aerobics, Caribbean-style Zumba, meditation and Eldoa – all taught throughout the landscaped grounds of the resort. There’s also hiking across the island if you’re feeling adventurous (do; it’s a lot of fun) and the optional extras of paddle boarding and water sports.

For those of you wanting to refresh your diet, there are Interactive seminars covering nutrition and current foodie wellness trends; and if it’s R&R you’re after, there’s even spa time with treatments, including Mojito body scrubs. Life all’s about balance, right?

Packages are based on how many classes you want to do and range from pay-as-you go single sessions (£17) to the Platinum, ten-class pass (£145).

What about the Coral Reef Club spa?

@engineered.well

Hands up who judges a hotel on the quality of its spa? Well, let’s just say the Coral Reef Club’s offering doesn’t disappoint. Tropical gardens, waterfalls, shaded loungers where you can lie and be caressed by the warm Bajan breeze, plus staff so good at identifying the unique needs of every guest, I swear those stubborn knots I’ve been struggling to shift for the past x-number of years were gone after one Natura Bisse treatment.

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There’s barely even time to touch upon everything else the island has to offer but, if you can bear to prise yourself away from the sanctuary of the Coral Reef Club grounds, you can enjoy everything from Cat & The Fiddle catamaran cruises to speciality rum punches as the sun goes down at trendy new beach-front bar One Eleven East.

Whichever way you play it though, trust me, you’ll come home refreshed, renewed and feeling like a brand new person.

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